"Paul regarded the occasion of his formal ordination as marking the beginning of a new and important epoch in his life-work. It was from this time that he afterward dated the beginning of his apostleship in the Christian church.— The Acts of the Apostles, 160-165 . GW 445.1"
"And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."
The EGW passage explicitly refers to Paul's ordination and links it to Acts 13:3, where Paul and Barnabas are set apart for their missionary work. It's more than a thematic parallel; it's a direct reference to a specific event.
"With gladness and rejoicing, God and the angels beheld this scene. The Father knew that from these men the light of heaven would shine forth; that the words spoken by them as they witnessed for His Son, would echo from generation to generation till the close of time. GW 445.3"
"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
Both passages highlight the joy in heaven over the conversion or repentance of individuals. The EGW passage speaks of God and angels rejoicing at the prospect of these men spreading the light of heaven, while Luke 15:10 speaks of joy in the presence of angels over one sinner who repents.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Both passages connect with the idea of believers being a light to the world, though EGW's passage focuses on the impact of their testimony.
"twelve patriarchs stood as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles stand as representatives of the gospel church.— Idem, pages 18, 19 . GW 445.4"
"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb."
Both passages draw a parallel between the twelve patriarchs of Israel and the twelve apostles. Revelation 21:14 mentions the twelve apostles as foundations, and EGW explicitly states the apostles represent the gospel church, similar to how the patriarchs represented Israel. This is a clear thematic parallel.